Derek Mackay confirms tax deal to ease budget's passage

The Scottish government has struck a budget deal with the Scottish Greens to make extra money available for local authorities.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay told MSPs during Holyrood's first budget since gaining control over its income tax rates and bands that higher-rate tax-payers will also face larger bills than those in the rest of the UK.

In response to a question from Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie, Mr Mackay confirmed £160m for local authorities in return for the party's support in passing the budget.